Abstract:
Traditionally, the essence and spirit of place dictated its
use. Harmoniously intertwined, physical and mythical
attributes were looked to in order to preserve the
spirit of place (Genius loci). Today, such a place is the
Atteridgeville fresh water reservoirs. Providing an
opportune site to reclaim the spirit of place for the
contemporary resident.
Understanding that the shack typology is not of place
but of circumstances - this dissertation searches for an
architecture of place in the scene of a democratic South
Africa.
This study focuses on the provision of cultural,
public spaces, based on an approach that recognises
established townships as aspiring suburbs rather than
dormitory towns.